CD Reviews

Classical Wakeman is good Wakeman

Amanda Bartels | Eltham, Victoria Australia | 12/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you want a solo piano album from Rick Wakeman, buy this one first. It's more classically-oriented than most of his other stuff, I wouldn't call it New Age although some do, it sounds more Debussy than anything and it's really good to listen to.The compositions are quite tasteful and gentle and it's the kind of music I put on to wander around the Botanic Gardens or the sea shore - very pictorial, mainly short airs inspired by Rick's home on the Isle of Man. Best tracks are The Chasms, the opening track, which is pure classic in the style of Chopin or Schumann, Painted Lady, a gentle ballad, and Peregrine Falcon, the last track which is romantic and lush. If there is anything not to like about this album it's that the tempo tends to be too similar throughout - some of the pieces could benefit from being slowed down. Other than that it's a lovely album of contemplative classical piano, and more punchy than some of Rick's other piano ventures like Country Airs or Night Airs. It's worth buying if you are a Wakeman fan and want to hear something different, or if you just like piano albums, or if you are even a classic fan interested in modern interpretations."

The Best Piano Album

R. Ramirez | Las Vegas | 07/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The best piano album Rick's ever done. This CD is a real treasure. Beatiful songs, beatiful booklet and beatiful story.

It's piano music in a 19th century classical style.

Don't give it a second thought. It's really worth it."

Heritage Sweet

Bernd Schmuecker | Alberta, Canada | 03/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those of you who are familiar with Rick Wakeman's work with the group YES, or his early solo projects such as The Six Wives of Henry VIII or Journey to the Centre of the Earth, will know that he has a penchant for the grandiose, both in his compositions as well as in his performances. By comparison, Heritage Suite would fall somewhere closer to the opposite end of the musical spectrum.

Released in 1993, the entire album consists of Mr. Wakeman playing nothing but acoustic piano. His compositions are very classical/romantic in nature, and would compare well to the music of Chopin, Schumann, and Liszt (classical purists may be inclined to scoff at such a comparison). The pieces range from lovely to truly gorgeous - very melodic and uplifting. There is not one lame track among the twelve that comprise the album.

Wakeman's performances are masterful! Not only is his playing technically brilliant, it is also rich with emotion, very soulful and joyous. The recording engineer did a superb job of capturing these marvelous performances in all their splendor. The recordings are intimate, yet with an expansive sound stage that makes the listener feel as though he or she were present during the studio sessions.

A delightful little booklet filled with beautiful photographs of the Isle of Man, to which this project pays tribute, accompanies the CD. The booklet features a brief description (presumably by the composer himself) of the inspiration behind each piece, and serves as the icing on this delicious musical cake.

While this may not be typical Rick Wakeman fare, it certainly ranks with his best efforts. For anyone who appreciates high quality solo piano recordings, Heritage Suite would make a fine addition to your collection. A real gem - well worth the price of admission!"